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Lake Sils –
as beautiful as it gets

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Lake Sils –
as beautiful as it gets

Lake Sils is the largest and most scenic of the Engadin lakes. Surrounded by larch forests, the lake offers hikers, walkers and water sports enthusiasts the chance to appreciate nature at its purest. Whether you prefer the lake in the golden of autumn, as wintry black ice or as a snow-covered cross-country ski trail, every season at Lake Sils is special.

Wide open spaces, peace and tranquillity

«All lake, all midday, all untending time» wrote Nietzsche in a poem on the shores of Lake Sils. Your mind and soul will find peace here. While the surrounding mountain peaks are at times reflected razor sharp in the lake, at other times the unrelenting Maloja wind churns up the 4 km2 expanse of water. At the end of December / beginning of January, the lake freezes over and turns into a leisurely walk or becomes part of the marked cross-country ski trails.

Hiking and strolling

Sometimes turquoise, sometimes emerald green, while at other times deep blue: enjoy the fascinating interplay of colours as you hike around Lake Sils. The unique 16-kilometre hike around the entire lake leads you through forests and across meadows. The hikes can be easily divided into stages.

From Sils towards Maloja, you first enjoy the alternating views of the Chastè peninsula and the island of Chaviolas. After an hour, you reach Isola, a small village on an impressive delta. From here, you can see Maloja at the south end of the lake. This is considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes in Switzerland. Better still, you are often completely alone while hiking along the shores of Lake Sils. From Maloja, the can take the popular hike back to Sils along the Via Engiadina path.

Interactive hiking map

Getting around by boat

Climb aboard: Europe's highest scheduled boat service takes you from Sils Maria to Maloja in 40 minutes. This is the only motorboat permitted to operate on Lake Sils on a regular basis. You can hop on or off at the Chastè peninsula, or the hamlets of Plaun da Lej and Isola. Why not get to know our mountains by water as you cruise slowly past the majestic peaks of the Margna, Piz Lagrev, Piz Grevasalvas and Piz Lunghin mountains?

Timetable

11th June to 16th October 2022
From 17th - 24th October on demand
Service operation during bad weather on request

a) only from 15th July - 15th August

Sils Maria (Bootshaus) 10.40 14.10 15.40 17.10 a)
Chastè 10.45 14.15 15.45 17.15 a)
Plaun da Lej 10.55 14.25 15.55 17.25 a)
Isola 11.05 14.35 16.05 17.35 a)
Maloja 11.20 14.50 16.20 17.50 a)

Maloja 11.30 15.00 16.30 17.50 a)
Isola 11.45 15.15 16.45 18.05 a)
Plaun da Lej 11.55 - 16.55 18.15 a)
Chastè 12.05 - 17.05 18.25 a)
Sils Maria (Bootshaus) 12.10 15.30 17.10 18.30 a)

Prices

single journey return journey
Sils Maria – Plaun da Lej/Isola CHF 11.00 CHF 18.00
Maloja – Plaun da Lej/Isola CHF 11.00 CHF 18.00
Sils Maria – Maloja CHF 18.00 CHF 27.00


Children up to 16 years pay half price.
Big dogs pay CHF 5.00. Small/Medium dogs travel for free.
The tickets can only be bought in cash.

Information

Silser Schifffahrt
Family Franco Giani
7514 Sils Maria
T +41 79 424 32 27
silsersee.schifffahrt@gmail.com
timetable boat service

Fun water sports

So much space for water sports! Lake Sils is neither bustling nor crowded. You can explore the waters at your own pace either by sailing boat, rowing boat, pedalo, kayak, canoe or stand up paddle board. You can rent sports equipment in Plaun da Lej. You can also rent rowing boats at the boathouse in Sils. In winter, the Engadin Ski Marathon cross-country ski trail crosses the frozen lake. If the conditions are right, you can hurtle across the ice on skates or in an iceboat.

Find out more about water sports

Culture on the Lake of Sils

The Sils «Wasserzeichen»-concerts are performed on a raft on Lake Sils. Visit one of the unique concerts on the 13th, 20th and 27th of July, 2022, 5.00pm.

Lake Sils tips

  • Unique concerts on the shore of Lake Sils
    The “Wasserzeichen” concerts are held each summer in a secluded bay on the Chastè peninsula. Musicians perform on a floating stage on the lake.
  • Experience black ice
    If ice forms without snowfall, it becomes transparent and you can see the dark bottom of the lake. To experience this “black ice”, you need a bit of luck with the weather and low temperatures in December. There is a crime novel about this black ice by Daniel Badraun called “Schwarzeis”. (Step on it at your own peril). More information
  • The finest fish
    The Murtaröl restaurant in Plaun da Lej is well-known in the area for its fish specialities and seafood. Some of the delicacies are fished directly from Lake Sils. 
  • Barbecue and swimming on the peninsula Chasté
    Relax and have fun.

Useful links

Timetable boat trip Lake Sils You can find the departure times for Europe's highest scheduled boat service here.

Water sports in Sils Sailing, kayaking, SUP – on our lakes, practically anything is possible.

Restaurants at Lake Sils Enjoy wining and dining with views of Lake Sils

Interactive hiking map See all routes at a glance.